As the prevalence of mental health issues increases and affects an ever larger number of our friends and family, it becomes essential that we create spaces for folks to talk about how they overcame or persisted despite mental health challenges. Here, we’ve tried to create a safe space for people to come together and discuss their stories, experiences, triumphs and failures with managing their mental health issues.
Tia Te’aire Scroggins
In my journey, I faced significant challenges related to mental health, navigating the complexities of being neurodivergent with both ADHD and being on the spectrum. Rather than viewing these aspects as hindrances, I embraced them as unique facets of my identity. Overcoming shadows associated with these conditions became a transformative process, as I confronted and dismantled imposter syndrome, navigated the hurdles of hesitation, and triumphed over low self-confidence. Read more>>
Mela Michelle
Despite the challenges related to mental health issues, I’ve learned to overcome them by prioritizing my mental well-being. I’m intentional about what I consume, ensuring that it aligns with a positive and supportive environment. Engaging in self-care activities has become a crucial part of my routine, allowing me to recharge and maintain balance. Read more>>
Javonda Jackson
I’m glad we are now living in an era where mental health is highly talked about especially in the black community because when I was first diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder back in 2009-2010 I had absolutely no idea what that was. All I knew was my life felt like it was falling apart. I felt like I was going crazy. I felt hopeless. I felt defeated. I even felt like I didn’t want to live anymore. Read more>>
BILL _L47
Growing up in lower income neighborhoods and an abusive household left me feeling very forgotten when I was younger. My mother passed away at 7 and it crushed me . My father tried to commit suicide after that and was unsuccessful. In doing so he had to serve time both in a mental health ward and jail. Read more>>
13 Aces
I don’t believe I’ve overcome my mental health yet and I don’t think anyone ever really does. There is always going to be a mental struggle and you are always going to have to persist through it. I believe music has always been my saving grace. Whether I’m listening or creating, it’s been a savior for me, but I think for everyone the answer is different. Read more>>
Corey Kupfer
It’s hard to identify our own “neurodivergence,” as it were. Most of us know only ourselves, and the ways in which we struggle with what the majority calls “normal.” That myth that is supposed to come so easily. Read more>>
Alexus Davis
This topic is susceptible however, I am honored to speak briefly on my perspective. Mental Health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we feel, how we act, and how we think as well. Even more prominent, it determines how we handle stress, relates to our peers, and how well we make healthy decisions in our life. Read more>>
Sheri Thomas
“Two-Pound Baby Wins Life Fight,” was the front-page headline of the Jefferson City, Missouri Post-Tribune on February 21, 1962. That baby was me, and the article celebrated my release from the hospital after months of struggling to survive. Read more>>
Tiaera Pritchett
Five years ago in September, I wanted to take my own life. I was severely struggling with depression and had gotten to the place where I felt that was my only way for the pain to stop. I remember sitting on my bed and gathering all of those pain pills and a glass of water. I sent a goodbye text to my husband and my best friend. Read more>>
Sam Brown
I come from a musical background – my mom and dad met as actors in a touring musical theatre company, my aunts on her side have both pursued music careers, my grandma had a beautiful coloratura soprano voice and I was so deeply influenced by all of them – so, long story short, music has always literally been in my blood and is still my favorite way to express my deepest emotions. I lost my mama to cancer in 2000 when I was five years old, which has since affected my brain in ways that I am still figuring out. Read more>>
Alexander Carstoiu
Throughout my life and career, I have struggled with mental health challenges and creating greater mental health awareness is a huge emphasis to my purpose as an artist. The first step that helped me persist through these issues was embracing/accepting them. I let myself feel what I was feeling and have worked on not villainizing myself for it. Read more>>
Anaili Galindo
I’m a very privileged girl… I have the support of my family and I have the opportunity to take care of my mental health with a psychologist and psychiatrist, I believe in something bigger than us (god and the universe) and they’re always by my side. But also, I’m trying to be less pessimistic and mean to myself (that it’s not as easy as it sounds sometimes, we’re our toughest judge). Read more>>
Cris Gunther
For some background history about what I believe led to my mental health struggles, I grew up in an environment where alcoholism, drug & sex addiction, and violence was fairly routine at one time or another. Read more>>
AshLeigh Brodin
I have allowed myself to take breaks when I need too. I have also learned how to give myself grace. I try to talk to myself how I’d talk to others needing advice. Also, I have learned that I can change the narrative I tell myself and I don’t have to give into intrusive thoughts instead I can correct those false narratives. Read more>>
Izzy Fuller
My whole entire life I have struggled with eating disorders, exercise addiction, body dysmorphia, OCD, and anxiety. They have greatly influenced and impacted my life–in both good and bad ways. There have been moments in time that these took me away from living fully in the moment and experiencing all that life has to offer. Read more>>
Ashley Berry
I believe that one of the most damaging aspects of dealing with mental health issues is the stigma that leads people to remain silent about what they’re going through. I watched this first-hand growing up with a father who struggled immensely with Bipolar Disorder, but refused to seek treatment for fear of the social and professional implications. He ultimately ended his own life at 50 years old, leaving many people behind who were shocked and confused because, on the surface, he seemed like an incredibly happy and successful person. Read more>>
